Birmingham
Birmingham has held a special place in my heart since I was a child. Since my mom grew up here, my family made frequent trips throughout my childhood to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I have fond memories of riding the train through the Birmingham Zoo, exploring the McWane Science Center, and once I was old enough to enjoy shopping, spending hours at The Summit.
In my mid-twenties, I was making a career change and moving back to the U.S. from overseas. I wanted to move somewhere familiar where I could experience community. Birmingham was a clear choice, especially since one of my sisters was attending grad school at UAB at the time. It’s been eight years since I moved here, and I still love it. The memories from my childhood have created a nostalgia for this city, while the ongoing growth and development constantly introduce new things to enjoy.
If I could squeeze some of my favorite things into one weekend, it would include a good meal at one of the many fun restaurants, hiking through one of the beautiful parks, relaxing with friends at a brewery, watching the Barons play at Regions Field, and seeing a performance at one of the theaters downtown. Birmingham has a LOT of families with children, so it’s a great place to be a parent. I’m only seven months into parenthood, so I still have much to discover, but I look forward to enjoying the playgrounds, libraries, zoo, and everything in between.
Mom
I’m a mom to a sweet and wild seven-month-old named David. I’ve always wanted to have children, and it is an even greater gift than I could have imagined. It is also much harder than I could have imagined, if I’m being honest!
From the day I found out I was pregnant, motherhood has stretched my faith. Through the unknowns, challenges, and lack of control, I have seen my need for God more clearly. I have also seen God’s power and wisdom more clearly. Pregnancy and childbirth truly are a miracle! I have loved seeing my husband become a dad and seeing the joy our son brings to both of our families (first grandchild on both sides)! I’m honored and thankful to care for him and play a special role in his life. At the same time, adjusting to parenthood hasn’t been easy. It’s like learning a new job totally on the fly! I prefer to be prepared, so learning by experience is uncomfortable and humbling at times. I have also struggled with the mental load of being a parent. Every day brings new situations to navigate and decisions to make. Oftentimes, there isn’t a clear answer or right way to do things. As they say, “Every baby is different!”
The challenges have given me newfound appreciation for my own parents and all my fellow parents on this adventure with me. Motherhood is both weighty and wonderful, and I’m grateful to experience it.
Collective
I’m excited to be a part of a group that encourages connection, authenticity, and support among moms. Motherhood can be lonely and hard, so the need for community is REAL. As a new mom, I don’t have all the answers–ha! Every chapter is new to me, so I’m figuring this parenting thing out as I go. That being said, I’m here to offer an honest peek into my life, learn from others, and hopefully contribute to the solidarity Birmingham Mom Collective fosters among local parents. I’m a Christian, food lover, fitness enthusiast, and a deep thinker. I look forward to sharing my “first-time-parent” experiences with you!
